“It’s a Social Thing”: Sociocultural Experiences with Nutrition and Exercise in Anchorage, Alaska

Cross-cultural research shows marked variation in health across the world’s senior populations. The social and cultural environment contributes to complex negotiations of food and physical activity patterns; however, little is known about social and cultural influences on diet and activity patterns for older adults in the urban Circumpolar North. Utilizing a socioeco-logical framework, this project investigates social determinants of well-being in older adulthood in Anchorage, Alaska. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify socio-cultural influences on diet and activity patterns for seniors in Anchorage to inform the design of a larger quantitative research project. This study asked 15 seniors in Anchorage about socio-cultural factors that influence their diet and physical activity. Six major themes were identified: the media, friends and peers, family influences, social opportunities, ethnicity and subsistence practices, and weight loss/body weight concerns. This research suggests that reaching older adults with diverse needs through a variety of channels, including the media, social networks, and social events, can help alleviate barriers to healthy lifestyle patterns. These results indicate a need for low-cost, accessible, culturally responsive programs that maintain relationships with family members and make connections between seniors in order to improve diet and physical activity practices.